businessNOW™ is the most comprehensive weekly round-up of business and organizational news and events from Peterborough and across the Kawarthas.
This week’s column features Steelworks Design of Peterborough rebranding as AVIT Manufacturing, the United Way Peterborough & District announcing its 2019 campaign cabinet team, the federal government providing funding for employers in agriculture sector to hire youth, the Municipality of Port Hope launching Digital Main Street, and the City of Peterborough naming Mr. Lube as the new sponsor of the Kinsmen Civic Centre east pad.
Also featured this week is the opening of applications for the Lindsay C.H.E.S.T. Fund, Michael Tai joining Lett Architects Inc. in Peterborough, Mathew Renda joining Fenelon Falls Brewing Co. as its new general manager, the Peterborough Yoga Festival donating a portion of proceeds from this year’s festival to Alternatives Community Program Services, and Mama Milisa’s Kitchen opening in Keene.
New regional events added this week include the Peterborough & the Kawarthas Business Advisory Centre hosting a marketing and sales workshop in Peterborough on June 20th and a business planning workshop on June 25th, Community Futures Peterborough holding its annual general meeting in Peterborough on June 27th (including an announcement of the ignite100 entrepreneurial competition winner), Hospice Peterborough holding its annual general meeting in Peterborough on June 27th, and the Summer Company Staples Day in Peterborough on July 10th.
Steelworks Design of Peterborough rebrands as AVIT Manufacturing
Peterborough custom machinery company Steelworks Design announced a major rebranding as AVIT Manufacturing during a media conference and open house last Thursday (June 6) at the company’s facility at 1961 Fisher Drive in Peterborough.
The company provides integrated technology for the automotive, wood processing, and energy industries, with automated fastening systems, automated assembly systems, lifting systems, engineering services, and product service and maintenance.
The rebranding Steelworks Design to AVIT Manufacturing better reflects that nature of the company’s product and service offerings and better positions the company to expand further into the global automation marketplace.
The company worked with marketing agency Mega Experience over the past year to develop the new branding. The company’s website and social media accounts will be adjusted to reflect the new brand.
VIDEO: Steelworks Design announces major rebranding as AVIT Manufacturing
AVIT Manufacturing was founded in 2002 by Don and Rhonda Barnet as Steelworks Design. The company currently employs 23 skilled trades and engineers — with a focus on advancing women in manufacturing and skilled trades — and plans to double its operations in the next three years.
Some of its clients include General Electric, BWXT, Siemens, Honda, NEFAB, MasterBrand, Peterborough Utilities, Andritz Hydro, and Coca-Cola.
United Way Peterborough & District announces 2019 campaign cabinet team
Last Thursday (June 6), the United Way Peterborough & District announced the members of its 2019 campaign cabinet team.
The members are David Goyette (campaign chair, government relations and communications), Jeff Leal (donor engagement), Heather Stelzer (donor engagement), Marcus Harvey (labour sector), Dave Haacke (real estate and developer sectors), Ron Kronstein (corporations sector), Darcy Bonner (leadership and commercial sectors), Tammy Williams (legal sector), Heather Watson (communications), Brittany Cadence (communications), Paul Rellinger (communications and events), Donna Clarke (communications and events), Victoria Pearce (communications and events), Lisa Marinzel (partner agency sector), Correen Day (partner agency sector), and Larry Gillman (event sponsorship).
Members of the team will assist with key decision making around campaign strategies, making phone calls to donors, visiting workplaces, and organizing events.
Federal government provides funding for employers in agriculture sector to hire youth
Peterborough-Kawartha Maryam Monsef is encouraging local employers to apply to Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s new $3.75-million Youth Employment and Skills (YES) Program.
The new program provides funding to employers across the agriculture sector to hire Canadian youth ages 15 to 30. In particular, the program is focused on youth facing barriers to entering or staying in the workforce, to explore employment in the agriculture and agri-food sector, and to better prepare themselves for the labour market.
The program will provide 50 per cent of funds, up to $14,000, towards costs associated with hiring youth. For not-for-profit organizations and applicants who hire Indigenous youth or youth facing barriers, the program will provide 80 per cent of total eligible costs, up to $14,000.
Those who hire youth facing barriers may be eligible to receive an additional $5,000 to cover extra costs associated with hiring and supporting them.
Applications are now being accepted for the program. For more information, visit www.agr.gc.ca/eng/programs-and-services/youth-employment-and-skills-program/.
Municipality of Port Hope launches Digital Main Street
At the end of May, the Municipality of Port Hope launched its Digital Main Street Service Squad program in partnership with the Port Hope & District Chamber of Commerce and the Heritage Business Improvement Area (BIA0.
Funded by the government of Ontario and delivered by the Ontario Business Improvement Area Association, the program helps small businesses advance their use of digital tools and techniques to improve their online marketing and promotions.
Port Hope received a $10,000 Digital Main Street Grant to establish a Digital Service Squad to help small businesses in the Heritage BIA.
The squad consists of local individuals with specialized skills who will assist businesses, at no cost, to set up initiatives like a Google’s My Business, adopt new digital technologies from e-commerce and social media to back-office systems such as payroll and inventory, conduct a digital-readiness assessment, and apply for a $2,500 Digital Transformation Grant to help them adopt new digital technologies.
The same program is already running in downtown Peterborough.
Businesses in Port Hope’s Heritage BIA that would like to access the Digital Service Squad or apply for a $2,500 Digital Transformation Grant can contact Elizabeth Edwards at eedwards@porthope.ca for more information.
City of Peterborough names Mr. Lube as new sponsor of Kinsmen Civic Centre east pad
Last Thursday (June 6), the City of Peterborough announced a naming rights sponsorship with automotive service provider Mr. Lube on the east pad at the Kinsmen Civic Centre (1 Kinsmen Way, Peterborough).
The ice pad will be known as “Mr. Lube Pad” and will also feature new branding.
The sponsorship agreement is in effect for the next five years.
The locally owned and operated franchise of the Canadian chain of automotive centres specializing in oil changes and other scheduled maintenance is located at 708 Lansdowne Street West in Peterborough.
Lindsay C.H.E.S.T. funding applications now available
The City of Kawartha Lakes is now accepting applications for the 2020 Lindsay C.H.E.S.T. Fund.
The Legacy C.H.E.S.T. Fund provides financial assistance to non-profit, community-based organizations that provide programs, projects, or activities that enhance the quality of life for residents in the areas of health, arts, culture, leisure, heritage, education, and the environment.
Last year, more than $375,000 was awarded to Legacy C.H.E.S.T. Fund grant recipients, including the Rotary Club of Lindsay to build a pavilion in Elgin Park and the Bobcaygeon Music Council to fund a summer music camp.
For more information and to apply, visit www.kawarthalakes.ca/en/municipal-services/grants-and-funding.aspx. The deadline for applications for the 2020 fund is 4:30 p.m. on Friday, October 25th.
Michael Tai joins Lett Architects Inc. in Peterborough
Michael Tai has joined Lett Architects Inc. (138 Simcoe St., Peterborough) as a junior technologist.
He was hired in May 2019 after graduating from Centennial College with an advanced diploma in architectural technology.
Passionate about the field of building science and an advocate of sustainable design and green practices, Tai is using his past experiences with 3D modelling and in the construction trades to contribute to the Lett Architects team through building information modelling design and drafting.
Mathew Renda joins Fenelon Falls Brewing Co. as general manager
Mathew Renda has joined Fenelon Falls Brewing Co. (4 May Street, Fenelon Falls) as the craft brewery’s new general manager.
Renda, who founded the beer blog The Bottomless Pint, brings “a wealth of beer knowledge and a true passion for this industry” according to the Fenelon Falls Brewing Co. website.
In other news, Fenelon Falls Brewing Co. has finished installing its new brewhouse tanks and 15-barrel system and is another step closer to opening.
No firm opening date has been set yet, but the company says it is working hard to open soon.
Peterborough Yoga Festival to donate proceeds to Alternatives Community Program Services
The Peterborough Yoga Festival, which takes place from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, June 22nd at Del Crary Park, has announced Alternatives Community Program Services will receive a portion of proceeds raised at this year’s festival.
Alternatives Community Program Services provides opportunities for learning and skill development in the areas of employment, volunteerism, recreation, and community connections for people living with developmental disabilities and other exceptionalities in the city and county of Peterborough.
“Alternatives promotes health, wellness and community connectedness for all, aligning well with the Peterborough Yoga Festival’s vision,” states Alternatives Community Program Services in a media release. “The proceeds will provide opportunities for people living with challenges to enjoy the benefits of yoga in our newly renovated and fully accessible space.”
The not-for-profit Peterborough Yoga Festival gives back all of its proceeds from ticket sales back to the community. As well as Alternatives Community Program Services, the proceeds from this year’s festival will go to United Way of Peterborough & District and Nanhi Dunya, an international non-governmental organization that supports children.
Mama Milisa’s Kitchen opens in Keene
Mama Milisa’s Kitchen is a new family-owned restaurant in Keene that opened at the end of May in the former location of Peachy Keene Café, which closed in November 2018,
The new restaurant is owned and operated by Milisa Hele with the help of her daughter Myka Wilson.
“When looking at places to open a restaurant, Keene was one of the towns that caught our eye the most,” the family writes on Facebook “Our family is from the county. We have always been a small-town country family. When we moved to Peterborough we missed the small town vibe a lot; when coming here it felt like home again. Driving to Keene, we realized that it did not have a family restaurant so we thought it would be a huge opportunity for us.”
Located at 3265 Highway 2 in Keene, Mama Milisa’s Kitchen offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner — including pizza — and delivers. The restaurant is open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. from Tuesday to Sunday (closed Mondays).
For more information, call 705-295-1111 or visit www.facebook.com/mamamilisaskitchen/.
Business Advisory Centre presents new venture session in Peterborough on June 11
Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development’s Business Advisory Centre is presenting “New Venture Session” from 2:30 to 4 p.m. on Tuesday, June 11th in the lower-level boardroom at VentureNorth (270 George St. N., Peterborough).
The session will cover the foundations of starting and running a business, resources and programs available to entrepreneurs in Peterborough & the Kawarthas, how to work with the Business Advisory Centre, building a plan of action for your business, and completing the start-up checklist.
To register for the free workshop, visit www.eventbrite.ca/e/business-fundamentals-business-planning-tickets-61309857434?.
Kawarthas Northumberland Tourism hosts annual partner meeting in Keene on June 18
Dr. Nancy Arsenault, co-founder of the Tourism Cafe in British Columbia and an expert on experiential travel, is the guest speaker at the Kawarthas Northumberland Tourism partner meeting on June 18, 2019. (Promotional photo)
Kawarthas Northumberland Tourism is hosting its annual partner meeting from 1 to 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 18th at Elmhirst’s Resort (1045 Settlers Line, Keene).
Open to active Kawarthas Northumberland Tourism partners whose tourism businesses reside within the region, the meeting provides the opportunity to meet board members, staff, ministry representatives and advisors, and to network with other tourism operators.
Dr. Nancy Arsenault, co-founder of the Tourism Cafe in British Columbia and an expert on experiential travel, will be the guest speaker.
The event is free, but registration is required at eventbrite.com/e/kawarthas-northumberland-annual-partner-meeting-2019-tickets-60306103178. Registration closes at 12 p.m. on Friday, June 14th.
Cornerstone Family Violence Prevention Centre holds annual general meeting in Cobourg on June 18
Northumberland’s Cornerstone Family Violence Prevention Centre is holding its annual general meeting at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, June 18th in the Rotary Room at Cobourg Public Library (200 Ontario St., Cobourg).
Among other business, Dr. Mavis Morton of the University of Guelph will be presenting a final report on prevention best practices that she can her fourth-year Violence and Society class have prepared for Cornerstone.
Refreshments are at 6 p.m. followed by the meeting at 6:30 p.m.
If you plan on attending, please RSVP by emailing ghuth@cornerstonenorthumberland.ca by 4 p.m. on Tuesday, June 11th.
Artspace holds its annual general meeting in Peterborough on June 18
Artspace is holding its annual general meeting at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, June 18th in the main gallery at Artspace (378 Aylmer St. N., Peterborough).
The agenda will include a review of the previous year’s operations, including highlights from exhibitions and programming, as well as a presentation of the centre’s audited financial statements.
Artspace will also seek nominations for new members for its board of directors. While Artspace encourages all members of the public to attend, only members in good standing are eligible to participate in voting and run for a position on the board.
To become a member or renew your membership, visit artspace-arc.org/product/artspace-membership/ online please click here.
The meeting will be held in a physically accessible space.
Peterborough DBIA breakfast network with Stacey Brandon and Nicholas Brandon in Peterborough on June 19
The Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) is hosting its next breakfast network meeting from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday, June 19th at Empress Gardens (131 Charlotte St., Peterborough).
Guest speakers Stacey Brandon and Nicholas Brandon of RBC will talk about succession planning for small businesses.
Breakfast begins at 7:30 a.m. with the guest speakers at 8 a.m.
The event is open to everyone. Tickets are $5 at the door.
Kawartha Lakes Community Futures Development Corporation holds its annual general meeting in Lindsay on June 19
Kawartha Lakes Community Futures Development Corporation will hold its annual general meeting on Wednesday, June 19th.
The meeting takes place at 4 p.m. in the Victoria Room at City of Kawartha Lakes City Hall (26 Francis St., Lindsay).
Peer lending for women information sessions in Peterborough and Buckhorn on June 19 and 20
Paro Centre For Women’s Enterprise, a not-for-profit social enterprise, is hosting two information sessions in June on its peer lending circles, a micro-finance program for women.
Peer lending circles are small groups of like-minded women who meet regularly to share their experiences, offer advice to each other, and expand their individual and shared contact networks. Members also provide peer loans between $500 and $1,000.
The sessions take place from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, June 19th at Tiny Greens (431 George St. N., Peterborough) and from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at Lock Stop Cafe (1919 Lakehurst Rd., Buckhorn).
For more information, contact Pat at Community Futures Peterborough at pat@cfpeterborough.ca or 705-745-5434.
Peterborough & the Kawarthas Business Advisory Centre hosts marketing and sales workshop in Peterborough on June 20
The Business Advisory Centre of Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development is hosting “Marketing and Sales” from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, June 20th in the lower-level boardroom at VentureNorth (270 George St. N., Peterborough).
Part of the centre’s Business Fundamentals Workshop series, the session is designed to provide a robust structure so you can create your own marketing, sales, and customer relations strategy. It will cover the importance of customer segmenting and target market, what makes an effective online and offline marketing strategy, marketing tactics to consider and include in your strategy, online marketing tools, and acquiring clients and tracking customer interactions.
The workshop is free, but registration is required at peterboroughed.ca/event/business-fundamentals-marketing-and-sales/.
Kawartha Chamber hosts a Stoney Lake boat cruise on June 20
The Kawartha Chamber of Commerce and Tourism’s next Business After Hours event features boat cruise on Stoney Lake from 4:30 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, June 22nd at Stoney Lake Cruises (610 Mount Julian – Viamede Rd., Woodview).
Participants will board at 4:30 p.m. and the cruise will happen from 5 to 7 p.m. (rain or shine).
Appetizers will be provided by Burleigh Falls Inn (email info@kawarthachamber.ca if you have any dietary restrictions).
Tickets are $20 for Chamber members and $30 for non-members. Register at business.kawarthachamber.ca/events/details/stoney-lake-boat-cruise-with-the-kawartha-chamber-10422.
United Way Peterborough holds annual general meeting in Peterborough on June 24
The United Way Peterborough is holding its annual general meeting from 5 to 6:30 p.m. on Monday, June 24th at Showplace Performance Centre (290 George St. N., Peterborough).
The meeting will showcase the recipients of the 2019 Neighbourhood Fund, which provides small one-time grants to support informal groups of people who are working together to improve their neighbourhood or demographic community within the city and county of Peterborough.
To RSVP, call 705-742-8839 x21 or email sdeveaux@uwpeterborough.ca.
Peterborough & the Kawarthas Business Advisory Centre hosts business planning workshop in Peterborough on June 25
The Business Advisory Centre of Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development is hosting “Business Planning” from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 25th in the lower-level boardroom at VentureNorth (270 George St. N., Peterborough).
Part of the centre’s Business Fundamentals Workshop series, the session is designed to give you a strong foundation in business planning and to demonstrate the importance of a comprehensive business plan. The workshop will also share tools available for creating a business plan and top tips for creating a plan ready to share with banks and funding agencies to secure financing.
The workshop is free, but registration is required at peterboroughed.ca/event/business-fundamentals-business-planning-6/.
Peterborough DBIA holds its 2019 annual general meeting in Peterborough on June 26
The Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) is holding its 2019 annual general meeting at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 26th in the Nexicom Studio at Showplace Performance Centre (290 George St. N., Peterborough).
Networking begins at 5:30 p.m. with the meeting beginning at 6 p.m. Everyone is welcome to attend the meeting, although only DBIA members can vote.
Community Futures Peterborough holds annual general meeting in Peterborough on June 27
Community Futures Peterborough is holding its annual general meeting from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursday, June 27th at the Peterborough Rugby Club (725 Armour Rd., Peterborough).
The event, which also features a community BBQ, will include the announcement of the winner of Community Futures Peterborough’s ignite100 entrepreneurial competition, from among the three finalists: Goodwin Metals, Cottage Toys, and Cambium Inc.
The meeting is free and open to everyone. To RSVP, visit www.eventbrite.ca/e/annual-general-meeting-tickets-56671827963.
Hospice Peterborough holds annual general meeting in Peterborough on June 27
Hospice Peterborough is holding its annual general meeting from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 27th at McDonnel Activity Centre (577 McDonnel St., Peterborough).
The meeting will be followed by a celebration of Hospice Peterborough’s volunteers.
To RSVP, call 705-742-4042 or email admin@hospicepeterborough.org.
Summer Company Staples Day in Peterborough on July 10
Summer Company Staples Day takes place in Peterborough on July 10, 2019. (Photo: Peterborough & the Kawarthas Business Advisory Centre)
Students participating in the Summer Company program will be showcasing their businesses on Wednesday, July 10th at Staples Peterborough (109 Park St. S., Peterborough).
Ontario’s flagship youth entrepreneurship program, Summer Company provides students aged 15 to 29 an opportunity to open and operate their own business during summer break. Peterborough & the Kawarthas Business Advisory Centre has partnered with the program since 2001.
The 2019 program is currently underway, with seven students at the high school and post-secondary levels getting ready to start their first business. Students are in the process of receiving a grant of $1,500 from the Ontario government to spend towards their start-up expenses.
Summer Company Staples Day not only provides students with the opportunity to showcase their businesses to the public, but provides them with experience in networking, advertisement, and communicating their brand to the community.
All are welcome to attend. More information will be provided closer to the date of the event.
For more business-related events in the Kawarthas, check out our Business Events column.
